Borrowing
Although the IALS Library is intended to be a reference library first and foremost, limited borrowing is permitted to many readers. Books may be borrowed from the Enquiry Desk or from the self-check kiosk on the 2nd floor. See Who can borrow what and for how long, below.
Returning
Unless you are entitled to extended borrowing rights (see Who can borrow what and for how long, below), books from the Main Collection are due back before the library closes the next working day. Books from our Short Loan Collection are due back by 10am the next working day (11am on a Saturday).
Fines
Fines of 50p per hour on Short Loan books and £1 per day on books from our Main Collection are charged on the late return or renewal of books to encourage their prompt return. Please note that you will not be able to borrow or renew your books if you owe £3 or more in fines.
Renewing
You will be able to renew books from our Main Collection up to three times as long as no one else has reserved them. You can renew your books online or in person at the Enquiry Desk. You can also renew them over the phone by calling 020 7862 5834 during staffed hours.
Please note:
- You may only renew the books offsite up to three times. You will then be required to bring the books back for further re-issue. If you visit the library to renew your books but do not have the books with you, this will count as an offsite renewal.
- It is advisable to renew the book early on the day on which it is due. If the renewal is not possible, you will be expected to return the book by the original due date and time.
- If the system fails to renew your book, this may be because another reader has reserved it, you have already had three offsite renewals, or you have a fine of £3.00 or more on your record.
Books from our Short Loan Collection can only be renewed at the Enquiry Desk during staffed hours.
Who can borrow what and for how long
SAS MPhil/PhD students and all University of London teaching and research staff
FOUR books from the Main Collection for a 4 week period. This period may be reduced if another reader requests the book. It is usually possible to renew the books offsite up to a maximum of three times, reservations permitting.
THREE books may be borrowed from the Short Loan Collection at one time. These books are due back by 10am the next day (or by 11am on a Saturday). Books may be renewed at the Enquiry Desk.
SAS/IALS Taught Masters students (LLM/MA)
FOUR books from the Main Collection for a 7 day period during the taught part of the course. The loan period will be increased to 4 weeks once teaching ends and students begin work on their dissertation. It is usually possible to renew the books offsite up to a maximum of three times, reservations permitting.
These books must be returned by 11.00pm after 7 days (8.30pm on Saturday). No books are due back on Sunday. Alternatively, they may be renewed offsite up to a maximum of three times, reservations permitting.
THREE books may be borrowed from the Short Loan Collection at one time. These books are due back by 10am the next day (or by 11am on a Saturday). Books may be renewed at the Enquiry Desk.
All other academic members including University of London Postgraduate research and Masters students
FOUR books from the Main Collection. These books must be returned before the library closes the next day. No books are due back on Sunday. Alternatively, they may be renewed up to a maximum of three times, reservations permitting.
THREE books may be borrowed from the Short Loan Collection at one time. These books are due back by 10am the next day (or by 11am on a Saturday). Books may be renewed at the Enquiry Desk.
Others (individual fee payers, legal professionals and temporary card holders)
No books may be taken outside the library.
THREE books may be borrowed from the Short Loan Collection at one time. Any items borrowed from this collection may be used inside the library for reference only. All volumes must be returned before the Enquiry Desk closes on the day of issue. See Staffed Hours.